"The bears are not coming in because it's overcrowded. They're coming in because we have the trash cans, the pet food," Animal Rights Foundation spokesman Bryan Wilson said. "Is this hunt really about bear trophies or is it about public safety?"

"People having the right garbage pails, and set traps. I'd rather not see the bears killed," Seminole County resident Sarabecca Rosier said.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said the proposed hunt is not the only strategy to deal with bears, but part of a strategy.

"Bear populations have really grown in the last 15-20 years. And we're fortunate to have a lot of bears, but also, it comes with a responsibility to manage those populations. And hunting is an important tool in that regard," FWC spokesman Nick Wiley said.

In one week, the FWC will decide whether to allow bear hunting. If there's a hunt, it would be in areas labeled bear hot spots.